In Chris Mosdell's world of poetry, all roads lead to Nowhere, and there are suitcases with wings, galactic fried eggs and chewing-gum mud. The author, who goes by "Mozz," is a modern-day Dr. Seuss or Shel Silverstein, creating worlds that are often nonsensical but always whimsical. And at 11 a.m. today, he'll bring his creations to the Boulder Public Library, 1000 Canyon Road, where he'll read from his new book, The Pearls of Wisdumb. Mozz first appeared at the library last summer for the Boulder Festival of Literature -- he won the grand prize for poetry -- and young audiences have clamored for his return ever since. So Carol Heepke, who runs children's programs at the BPL, asked the "weird and charming" Mozz back. Parents may recognize Mozz, too, since the talented lyricist has written for Eric Clapton and Boy George as well as for Japanese anime films and British drama.

The reading is free, but come early to claim your spot for the journey. Questions? Call 303-441-3099. -- Hart Van Denburg

Comedy Central WED, 12/31

Families looking to usher in 2004 by laughing out loud should check out the Comedy Works Family-Friendly New Year's Eve Show, featuring comedian Daniel Tosh. "It's a great way for people to start the night off with their kids," says Susan Collyar, director of marketing at the Comedy Works, 1226 15th Street. "He's super silly, goofy and really high-energy."

Tosh, who has appeared on Late Show With David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Comedy Central's Premium Blend, can be a little racy, but he's cleaning up tonight's act to make it appropriate for kids over thirteen. "He's pretty clean anyway, but we're calling this a PG-13 show," says Collyar.

For those who want to see Tosh's raunchier version, he'll do adult-only shows at 8 and 10 p.m., with the late show featuring a buffet dinner and a midnight champagne toast.

Tickets are $20 for the 6 p.m. show, $25 for the 8 p.m. performance, and $50 to $60 for the late show. For more information, call 303-595-3637 or check out www.comedyworks.com. -- Julie Dunn

Ice Is Nice Skating in a winter wonderland

Winter may have officially begun on December 22, but for kids, and kids at heart, the opening of Evergreen Lake for ice-skating is the true start of the snowy season. You'll have to brave highway traffic to get to the 55-acre lake, but the views and prices -- $3 to $3.50 -- are well worth the drive. The place is often packed post-Christmas (watch out for those skate-rental lines), but the good folks of Evergreen are looking out for your holiday cheer: When the parking lots get full on the weekends, a shuttle service picks up skaters at the Evergreen Parks and Recreation District, 5300 Olive Road, and carries them to the Lake House, at 29614 Upper Bear Creek Road.

Open-skate hours vary, so check www.evergreenlakehouse.com before heading up the hill, and always call the skate hotline, 303-512-9300, to make sure weather conditions haven't put a damper on the fun. (The lake's at 7,200 feet, after all.)

Sadly, alcohol is not allowed on the lake -- so no spiking the hot chocolate with Rumplemintz to take the edge off that quality family time. -- Amy Haimerl

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